Yatagarasu Attack on Cataclysm… reviewed!



This game is structured with tournaments in mind (even more so than other fighting games I’ve seen)… and could prove to be a great starting point for anyone working on creating their own tournament events.
I always welcome fighting games, and I feel that this is a pretty cool one (that will probably kick your butt on normal mode if you aren’t a frequent player of fighting games, but it looks pretty good doing it too)… representing 2D fighting in a way that takes me back (in time that is).
Off the bat… the opening of the game got my attention and made me curious about what it was all about, and I am a fan of 2D fighting games (if I had the means when I was a teen… I probably would’ve been in EVO-like tournaments showing no mercy; I’d still take on the likes of Daigo Umehara... I'm not joking).
The reason I feel that this game is structured with tournaments in mind, is because… the launcher presents you more options based on setting up tournaments more than anything else.
You can create your tournament start date, name, list the host, the venue, as well as tournament results, team registrations and the ability to tweet when you’re a participant in a tournament.
Tournaments can be either online or offline, it’s up to you or whoever the host is. There are a lot of options that may confuse someone  that’s not familiar with setting up tournaments… but for hosts, creating instructions on how to join a tournament would be the thing I’d suggest (if they aren’t local).
I think this is awesome… and would allow anyone to create a tournament if desired. You get the option of uploading your own icon (if your team wants to represent).
Something that stood out in this game for me (beyond the tournament creation aspect)… was the CPU commentators added to the mix. Think of the commentators of fighting game tournaments and how they liven up matches, then… take a few teaspoons of that and add it to a fighting game, and you get what we have here. Thought that was a pretty cool addition.
Beyond the tournament and commentator coolness, it would’ve been great to get a bit more from the story (mainly presentation wise). The background remains the same… and so do the character poses, and as we move forward, even with appreciation of the older fighters it would good to see new things added to the mix (in addition to those mentioned).
I won’t rag on this game for something many fighting games have gotten away with based on illustrations for story (minus skipping out on the backgrounds)… but if I can recommend any updates being made, it would be to update the backgrounds at least, and allow for analog control (thought that was going to be an option with the Xbox controller option). If all my requests were to be met, I’d also request character expressions with alternate poses (or even great 2D animation if it can be pushed to that point), more character, increased resolution. That’s totally if… the developer is seeking a way to deliver even more.
From the standpoint of it being a smaller team, I can understand that it doesn’t have such things… but at the same time knowing that some of the members of this team also played a part in games ranging from King of Fighters… to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor, it would’ve been great to see more (that could’ve gained even more interest from fans of those games). Call it… wishful thinking, but I’m excited to see what they deliver as time goes on (hopefully they continue progressing Yatagarasu… versus jumping to another fighting game).
Another area where I feel the game could’ve delivered a bit more… is the… user interface (UI) outside of the health bars and power meters, because the menus are really plain. It doesn’t make or break the overall game… but just because I can still eat ice cream, doesn’t mean I’d pass up on having whipped cream and a cherry on top. I say that because presentation goes a long way.
Last but not least, one thing the localization team has to beware of… are those pesky typos. Some gamers wouldn’t care less or even notice, but those who want to enjoy a game to the fullest (because it is an investment)… deserve to have the text of a storyline make sense.
One thing I’m making note of is the indie initiative: Fine tuning can take care of those things mentioned, and though it would’ve been great to have such things upon release (if updates come)… this game was funded through a crowd funding campaign. That in itself makes me wonder if they did what they could under the circumstances of getting the game to backers as promised in a certain timeframe but plan on doing updates now that it’s out. (Fingers crossed.) I’ll take these things over game affecting bugs any day, but I could also do without either.
Character wise… the men and women in the game are almost even in the amount of male and female fighters the game has to offer, which one of the members of Nyu-Media told me in a tidbit that there’s some degree of gender ambiguity among the characters... so they consulted GLAAD for the localization (which is a non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by some LGBT people in the media).
I’ve experienced characters in numerous games… and even anime shows with unknown genders, so it isn’t uncommon to me. If they felt the consultation from the organization would help the game… more power to them, it would’ve been good to get more characters though. Anyway, get in and play with each character to see what you think, especially if you plan on indulging in some tournament action and want to be known for how much butt you can kick with a specific character. I’m still feeling them out, and for Street Fighter and King of Fighters fans… there are a few characters that will possibly feel familiar to you.

I really like what they did here regarding tournament options, that deserves 2 sore thumbs up (from playing that is). Some of the characters aren’t as memorable as they could be (for me)… but I haven’t exactly played with them a great deal (and it takes time for characters to grow on me). Some characters I do like... and my favs are not only looking the part, but are functional enough for me to be effective in matches. Thinking about the characters, they could be overshadowed somewhat by the commentators… who even shout at the end of matches in my experience (so I couldn't hear the character). Fans have the ability to take characters to that point of remembrance in my opinion though, because... some people fall in love with characters they represent with in tournaments and will (at times) talk about them, their back story, quirks, etc. Curiosity could literally be built in someone else because of the way someone else feels… but I will leave it at that, hopefully you understand what I mean and how it relates to this review. :p
Price wise… I can’t argue with $15, especially if someone can take the offerings of this game and turn them into an opportunity for themselves and challengers looking for tournaments (those are just memorable experiences waiting for action)… and the games not expensive.Fun factor: 4 (One player… bit of a lackluster, but add multiplayer and tournament action and it’s a different story.)
Visually: 3
Replay value: 5
Price: 4
4 / 5

Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition… reviewed!


I originally played this game on the Nintendo 3DS (the initial version)… and it’s one of my favorite games. Being able to enjoy the recent release on Steam is great (which is also available on Wii U).

Since the resolution is better on PC and Wii U… WayForward did the game justice by delivering it in HD. It would’ve been great to see a 3D mode for those with 3D glasses, but… I’ll live.

How I’d describe the game… is a… “Race against the clock, switch it up until you drop… puzzle/platform hybrid”. You’re playing as a switch force officer by the name of Patricia Wagon (aka Patty Wagon)… as she tracks down escaped space vixen’ish criminals in an assortment of stages that will test you to not only complete them, but do so in the fastest time possible. Are you up to the challenge?

What’s cool about this game… is that they don’t just shove puzzles down your throat, you’re playing through a level with enemies that can also take you out. So you have 3 factors… that require multi-tasking, but it’s not a complicated game… just don’t go in expecting it to be a cake walk either.

It’s great to have online leaderboards in this version, and in the Steam version (of this HD version)… you have Steam Trading Cards (that you can save, sell, etc.), Achievements… and Steam Cloud compatibility.

Going back on the appreciation of this game being more than just a puzzle game… you get to progress in the game… for the sake of beating it like you could a 2D platformer. The combination was well executed. They had the option of just delivering levels to complete at the fastest times, but it would’ve felt incomplete without something to reach in the overall scheme of things.

Visually… the game looks great, and the artwork is nice and vibrant. It really excites me to the things the team could do with an even bigger budget. I cannot forget one of the elements that is almost as important to me… as the game itself, that would be the music. Simply put… the composer did a great job, and really landed the style of music this game needed to really come alive. The music is the icing to the cake in this game, and I love a good (hefty) slice of cake every now and then.

The price is just right, and even more so for fans of time trialed games. The Steam Leaderboards have plenty of competition that may leave you wondering… “How in the heck did they get that time?!”, which is a perfect segue (seg-way) into… replay value! The time trials make this game infinitely re-playable if you think you could do better, and believe me… I took a look at little mistakes I’d make so that I could improve to shave down on my completion times.
Tip: Beat the game… and play again. I won’t tell you why, but trust me.

Wayforward, bring Patty Wagon back… in an even bigger game. She has the potential to shine in more than the current (awesome) hybrid genre. She has the character… as well as enough untold backstory to really capture the audience again, and again (look at the occupation she has in this game… and space is vast). Think about it!

Fun factor: 5
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 5

"5 / 5"

From the Source: Nintendo Games & Contests + Dragon Quest XI for NX + Review action

Here are updates from Nintendo... but since multiple things have been repeats... (which include a lot of games) we haven't really posted the highlights because we'd rather move forward (unless new updates come about with an existing game). This had to be brought up... because Nintendo canNOT play around with developers and offerings. There cannot be a repeat on the Nintendo NX... (just... No), can't happen, I really really hope they've learned and are actually listening.

There are talks about some Nintendo games becoming an annual thing. You know how bad that sounds... to me? I think of a loss of quality to get things out to meet a year release date the way EA does with sports games (granted updated rosters)... and the way they tried to release shooters that way until it the quality came crashing down.

I'm glad various teams work on individual Call of Duty games, but it would be great to see what they could do together to deliver. They have their business model for annual releases between COD adventures, but I could just imagine if... that were simply one focus making the most technically advanced COD game to date. It would take the right structure so that there just aren't a bunch of people getting in the way of each other... but it could work.

Anyway... an annual release is a scapegoat to get out of creating new IPs in some cases, and there are enjoy companies doing it. I don't want to see this from Nintendo, but lets see what the NX will bring.


Speaking of the NX... Tyler R. hit us up around the beginning of this month about the Dragon Quest XI: In Search of the Departed Time game... coming to the Nintendo NX, 3DS, and PS4. It excited him... in regards to the NX because the PS4 version will be using the Unreal 4 Engine, so he can't help but wonder what that means for the NX (along with the 3DS version featuring full 3D on the top screen).

What does it mean for the Nintendo NX? It could actually mean various things, because a game can be made to fit a platform if the developer chooses, even making a 2D version... of a 3D game.


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Aug. 13, 2015 13:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:
In Wind-up Knight 2, play as Sprint, the clockwork knight who just … can’t … stop. (Photo: Business  ...
In Wind-up Knight 2, play as Sprint, the clockwork knight who just … can’t … stop. (Photo: Business Wire) Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Wind-up Knight 2 – In this relentless action platformer, play as Sprint, the clockwork knight who just … can’t … stop. Your skills will be pushed to the absolute limits as you jump, swing, roll, attack and endure countless dangers, including traps, cliffs and assorted enemies.
    • Pandora’s TowerPandora’s Tower tells a haunting tale about a cursed young woman’s slow transformation into a hideous beast, and the lengths to which the man she loves will go in order to save her. The stylish action RPG originally launched for the Wii console and is now available to download in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.
Nintendo eShop Sales:
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
    • 3D Game Collection (Nintendo 3DS), Murder on the Titanic (Nintendo 3DS) and Suspension Railroad Simulator (Wii U) from Joindots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
    • Bombing Bastards (Wii U), Spot the Differences: Party! (Wii U) and Talking Phrasebook – 7 Languages (Nintendo 3DS) from Sanuk Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 20.
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • TNT Racers – Nitro Machines Edition is 37 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 13.
    • Blocky Bot and Paper Monsters Recut from Mobot Studios are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
    • Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and more titles from Nordic Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
    • Stone Shire is 25 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $5.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on October 1.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Excave II: Wizard of the Underworld is 50 percent off (reduced from $10 to $5) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 20.
    • Alien on the Run, Undead Storm Nightmare and Jump Trials Supreme from G-style are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
    • Nano Assault EX is 25 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $7.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 3.
    • Van Helsing Sniper Zx100 is 47 percent off (reduced from $6.66 to $3.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 10.
Activities:
  • Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire - Get Shiny Rayquaza with Dragon Ascent – Soar into battle with Shiny Rayquaza, available now via the Nintendo Network. This Shiny Rayquaza is not only rare, it is also amazingly powerful. Shiny Rayquaza knows the Dragon Ascent move, which allows it to Mega Evolve and dominate its opponents. This Shiny Rayquaza will be available via Nintendo Network until Sept. 14, so don't miss this limited opportunity! For more details, go to Pokemon.com/Rayquaza.
  • Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. “Second Star” Tournament – See how your squad stacks up online in Nintendo’s Public Tournaments. Top players earn unique titles that are visible online and earn major bragging rights with your friends and around the world. The new “Second Star” tournament runs Aug. 14 through Aug. 17. Opt in via the SpotPass feature for notifications about future tournaments. Good luck, agents!
  • Pokémon Shuffle Summer Special – Buy Jewels and Get Six More Free! – Now until Aug. 16, when you purchase six or more Jewels in the Pokémon Shuffle game with your Nintendo eShop funds, you’ll be eligible for a one-time gift of six additional Jewels for free. For more details, head to http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/a-deal-on-pokemon-shuffle-jewels.
  • Art Academy: Home Studio Art Contest – It’s not too late to enter the Art Academy: Home Studio art contest for your chance to win a $20 Nintendo eShop Card! Upload a time-lapse video of your work to YouTube using the “Recordings” feature in the game and tweet us @NintendoAmerica with a link to your video and the hashtags #ContestEntry and #NintendoArtContest until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. PT. Check here to view a video about the contest.
    • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of US (incl. DC) or Canada (excl. Quebec) 18+. Deadline: 8/20/15. 25 winners receive a Nintendo eShop Card code (ARV $20 ea). Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for official rules. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.
Also new this week:
  • Best of Arcade Games – Air Hockey (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Best of Arcade Games – Bubble Buster (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Garfield Kart (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • I Love My Dogs – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Paddington: Adventures in London (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Brave Tank Hero (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS) 

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Aug. 11, 2015 12:00 UTC

Play Nintendo 3DS Game Little Battlers eXperience with Game Experts from Nintendo

Launch Event Features Fun Giveaways and an Exclusive Screening of Two New Episodes of the LBX: Little Battlers eXperience Show
--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nintendo:
Nintendo hosts an exclusive screening of two new episodes of Nicktoons' LBX: Little Battlers eXperie ...
Nintendo hosts an exclusive screening of two new episodes of Nicktoons' LBX: Little Battlers eXperience TV show on Saturday, Aug. 22, Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza (Photo: Business Wire)
WHAT:
Get the family together and head to the Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 22nd, for an exclusive screening of two new episodes of Nicktoons’ LBX: Little Battlers eXperience TV show. The new season of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience premieres Sunday, Oct. 18th, so you’ll be among the first to see the new episodes before they air. After the screening, stay to play the new Nintendo 3DS game based on the show with experts from Nintendo, and enter an on-site drawing for a chance to win a cool mini robot figure!
A game expert from Nintendo will be on hand to introduce Little Battlers eXperience. The new game lets players customize their own mini robots using more than 4,000 parts and battle other players’ robots. Players can also battle against their friends or team up with in-game characters that are also from the TV series for local 3-on-3 battles. Attendees will be able to try out these different game-play features at the event.
In the new season of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience, Van Yamano is on his way to the exclusive release of a ground-breaking new prototype when the onslaught of unknown enemies and machines that seem to think for themselves make the threat of impending chaos greater than ever. Thankfully, the next generation of LBX players is on the horizon. With his friends and a new LBX by his side, Van is ready to battle on!
WHO:
Nicktoons spokesperson, Nintendo representatives, Nintendo fans, families
WHEN:
Saturday, Aug. 22nd
Screenings of two new episodes of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience:

10 - 11 am
2 - 3 pm
6 - 7 pm
Little Battlers eXperience Nintendo 3DS game play:

9 am - 9pm
*Mini robot on-site drawings will follow the screening times and run for approximately two hours.
WHERE:
Nintendo World
Rockefeller Center
10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
VISUALS:
  • Families battling each other in Little Battlers eXperience for Nintendo 3DS.
  • Fans of all ages gathered to watch new episodes of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience weeks before they air on television.
________________________________________________

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Aug. 6, 2015 13:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:
The Splatoon game for the Wii U console just got a massive free content update. (Photo Business Wire ...
The Splatoon game for the Wii U console just got a massive free content update. (Photo Business Wire)
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
    • Super Smash Bros. DLC – Fans of the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games can now add even more fun with several free updates and new DLC for purchase on both versions. Free updates include a K.K. Slider costume for Mii Fighters, plus new Community Tournament and Regular Tournament modes and the ability to upload saved replays to YouTube. Players can also purchase new Mii Fighter costumes, from Samus’ Armor to an SSB-logo Hoodie, as well as Peach’s Castle and Hyrule Castle stages from the original Nintendo 64 version of the game.
  • Wii U
    • New Splatoon Update – The Splatoon game for the Wii U console just got a massive free content update. The update includes two new modes: Squad Battle and Private Battle. Squad Battle lets players create a squid squad with friends and head into Ranked Battle modes together, while Private Battle lets two to eight friends battle together in customizable matches. There are also new weapons, level-cap increases, more than 40 new types of gear and more to come throughout the rest of the summer.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight – Experience a new story with a fixed party, voiced dialogue and animated cut scenes in the incredible world of Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight. Or revisit the original Etrian Odyssey 2 game with updated graphics and a full roster of classes. Whichever path you choose, there will be exciting dungeons and frightening enemies!
    • Pokémon Rumble World Update Bonus – Download the latest version of the Pokémon Rumble World game for your Nintendo 3DS system today! Once you do, you’ll be able to visit a new area and get bonus items. First, take a ride on the newly added Lucky Balloon. It will take you to a mysterious area called Changing Land, where you’re more likely to meet Pokémon you haven’t yet caught. The Lucky Balloon will be added to the hot air balloons available in the shop. It’s free, but you’ll need to have reached Adventure Rank 40 to ride on it. Enter the following password into your game to receive 100 Poké Diamonds after you update: 48213190. You have to reach Adventure Rank 4 before you can enter the password. 
  • Virtual Console on Wii U
    All throughout August, classic games for hard-core gamers are coming to the Virtual Console on Wii U, starting with these Game Boy Advance RPGs:
    • Golden Sun: The Lost Age – It is the dawn of a new age. The heroes of Golden Sun have been abandoned, and the land is falling into darkness. Now the world’s final hope may also be its doom. Manipulate the environment with psychic energy and fell whatever beast stands in your way to safeguard humanity before the heroes of the originalGolden Sun can stop you. 
    • ONIMUSHA TACTICS – Prepare to be thrust into massive, old world feudal battles in which every move is a struggle for power in this Game Boy Advance strategy game. Join Onimaru, a young Ogre Clan warrior on a mighty quest to defeat Nobunaga and his enemy Genma armies.
Nintendo eShop Sales:
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • GetClose: A game for RIVALS is 66 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $0.99) for a limited time.
    • Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is 50 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $7.49) for a limited time.
    • Blok Drop USpikey WallsTOSS N GO and more titles from RCMADIAX are on sale for a limited time.
    • Plenty of Fishies is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) for a limited time.
    • Tiny Galaxy is 33 percent off (reduced from $5.99 to $3.99) beginning August 7 until September 30.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
Activities:
  • Art Academy: Home Studio Art Contest – Enter the Art Academy: Home Studio art contest for your chance to win a $20 Nintendo eShop Card code! Upload a time-lapse video of your work to YouTube using the “Recordings” feature in the game and tweet us @NintendoAmerica with a link to your video and the hashtags #ContestEntry and #NintendoArtContest.
    Click here to view a video highlighting this contest.
    • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of US (incl. DC) or Canada (excl. Quebec) 18+25 winners receive a Nintendo eShop Card code (ARV $20 ea). Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for official rules. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.
Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:
Price reduction:
  • A-Train 3D: City Simulator has been reduced to $19.99 (from $29.99).
  • Shin Megami Tensei IV will be reduced to $19.99 (from $29.99) beginning on Aug. 10.
Also new this week:
  • Astral Breakers (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
  • Kung Fu FIGHT! (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
  • Best of Arcade Games – Brick Breaker (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Best of Arcade Games – Tetraminos (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey to Kyoto – Full and Demo Versions (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • Jewel Quest 4 Heritage (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
  • PICROSS e6 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
https://www.amazon.com/Subwoofer-Microphone-Retractable-Universal-Diameters/dp/B00MMRYO0Q/ref=as_sl_pc_ss_til?tag=sdgtent-20&linkCode=w01&linkId=B7HF74WXVYKEOHQF&creativeASIN=B00MMRYO0Q
Review & Unboxing action!
Also... don't forget to check out the review of the Sentey Harmoniq Pro (gaming headphones) on www.sdgtstudio.blogspot.com